JP2006020702A - Device and system for introduction into subject - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To achieve a device for introduction into a subject capable of surely acquiring information in the subject relating to a predetermined area. <P>SOLUTION: A capsule type endoscope which is an example of the device has a power source section 24 specifying a reference direction as a direction of the gravity applied to the capsule type endoscope in a free space in the interior of the same, and a first imaging section 19 and a second imaging section 21 for capturing the image in the subject. The first imaging section 19 can include a portion making contact with the capsule type endoscope of the inner wall of a digestive organ 27 being a passing path as an imaging field while the endoscope is introduced in the subject by specifying an imaging field so as to include the reference direction relating to the imaging field specified by an optical system 19c of the first imaging section 19. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an intra-subject introduction apparatus that is introduced into a subject and moves within the subject, and an intra-subject introduction system using the intra-subject introduction apparatus.

  In recent years, in the field of endoscopes, swallowable capsule endoscopes have been proposed. This capsule endoscope is provided with an imaging mechanism and a wireless communication mechanism. The capsule endoscope is swallowed from the mouth of the subject for observation (examination) until it is spontaneously discharged until it is spontaneously discharged. It has a function of moving and taking images of the in-subject image at intervals of 0.5 seconds, for example.

  While moving inside the body cavity, image data captured inside the body by the capsule endoscope is sequentially transmitted to the outside by wireless communication and stored in a memory provided outside. By carrying a receiver having a wireless communication function and a memory function, the subject can freely act after swallowing the capsule endoscope and before being discharged. After the capsule endoscope is ejected, a doctor or a nurse can make a diagnosis by displaying an image of an organ on a display based on image data stored in a memory (see, for example, Patent Document 1). .)

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-19111

  However, the conventional capsule endoscope has a problem that it is difficult to control the imaging field of view inside the subject. That is, as described above, the movement of the capsule endoscope inside the subject is performed by the peristaltic movement of the digestive organ as a passage route, and is not moved by the action of the capsule endoscope itself. Absent.

  For this reason, the orientation direction of the capsule endoscope can change randomly due to changes in the aspect such as the peristaltic motion, and as a result, the field of view of the imaging mechanism provided in the capsule endoscope also changes randomly. Therefore, there is no guarantee that a part necessary for diagnosis, observation, etc. can be imaged.

  In particular, in the case of an imaging mechanism that requires small size and low power consumption, such as a capsule endoscope, it is not a good idea to provide a focus adjustment mechanism in the optical system provided in the imaging mechanism, and is usually provided in the imaging mechanism. As the optical system, a fixed focus type that does not have a focus adjustment function is used. In such a configuration, since the focal length of the optical system is set to a constant value, the image data out of focus is acquired by changing the distance to the subject according to the change in the visual field. The Rukoto. The accuracy of diagnosis using such image data is also lowered, and is not appropriate.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an intra-subject introduction apparatus such as a capsule endoscope that can reliably acquire intra-subject information regarding a predetermined region, and an intra-subject introduction apparatus It is an object to realize an in-subject introduction system using the.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the in-subject introduction apparatus according to claim 1 is formed so that gravity is applied in a predetermined reference direction in free space, and is introduced into the subject. An intra-subject introduction apparatus for acquiring in-subject information, which is information inside the subject, and a weighting member for determining the reference direction, and first in-subject information in a range including the reference direction In-subject information acquisition means is provided.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the first in-subject information acquisition means for acquiring the in-subject information in a range including the reference direction that is the direction of application of gravity in the free space is provided. Thereafter, the first in-subject information acquisition means can acquire in-subject information at a portion of the inner wall of the organ that is a passage route that contacts the in-subject introduction device.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the in-subject introduction apparatus according to the second aspect, wherein the second in-subject information acquisition for acquiring in-subject information in a range different from the information acquisition direction in the first in-subject information acquisition means. And a first in-subject information acquiring unit that acquires in-subject information relating to an object at a shorter distance than the information acquisition target of the second in-subject information acquiring unit.

  Further, in the in-subject introduction apparatus according to claim 3, in the above invention, the in-subject information is an in-subject image acquired by imaging a predetermined region inside the subject, The first in-vivo information acquiring means includes a first optical system that forms an image of light incident from the outside on a predetermined light receiving surface, and the second in-vivo information acquiring means is provided on the predetermined light receiving surface. And a second optical system that forms an image of light incident from the outside, wherein the first optical system has a shorter focal length than the second optical system.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the in-subject introduction device according to the above invention, the first optical system has a greater depth of focus than the second optical system.

  The in-subject introduction apparatus according to claim 5 further includes power supply means for supplying driving power to at least the first in-subject information acquisition means and functioning as the weighting member in the above invention. It is characterized by that.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the in-subject introduction device according to the above-mentioned invention, further comprising a magnetic field forming unit having a function of forming a magnetic field for position detection of the in-subject introduction device and functioning as the weight member. It is characterized by having.

  The in-subject introduction system according to claim 7 is formed so that gravity is applied in a predetermined reference direction in a free space, and is introduced into the subject and is information inside the subject. An intra-subject introduction system comprising an intra-subject introduction apparatus for acquiring information and a receiving apparatus for receiving a radio signal transmitted from the intra-subject introduction apparatus, wherein the intra-subject introduction apparatus includes A weighting member for determining a reference direction; first in-subject information acquisition means for acquiring in-subject information in a range including the reference direction; and transmission means for transmitting a radio signal including the acquired in-subject information. The receiving apparatus includes a receiving circuit that performs reception processing of the received radio signal, and signal processing means that extracts in-vivo information by performing predetermined processing on the signal output from the receiving circuit. With features That.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the in-subject introduction system according to the above invention, wherein the in-subject introduction apparatus has a function of forming a magnetic field for position detection, and a magnetic field forming unit that functions as the weight member. The receiving apparatus further includes: a magnetic field measuring unit that measures the magnetic field formed by the magnetic field forming unit; and a position deriving unit that derives a position of the in-subject introduction device based on a measurement result of the magnetic field measuring unit. Is further provided.

  An in-subject introduction apparatus and an in-subject introduction system according to the present invention include first in-subject information acquisition means for acquiring in-subject information in a range including a reference direction that is a direction of application of gravity in free space. Therefore, after the introduction into the subject, the first in-subject information acquisition means can acquire the in-subject information at the portion of the inner wall of the organ that is the passage route that contacts the in-subject introduction device. There is an effect.

  Hereinafter, an intra-subject introduction apparatus and an intra-subject introduction system which are the best modes for carrying out the present invention will be described. Note that the drawings are schematic, and it should be noted that the relationship between the thickness and width of each part, the ratio of the size of each part, and the like are different from the actual ones. As a matter of course, there are included portions having different dimensional relationships and ratios.

(Embodiment 1)
First, the in-subject introduction system according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the overall configuration of the in-subject introduction system according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the in-subject introduction system according to the first embodiment includes a capsule endoscope 2 that is introduced into the subject 1 and moves along a predetermined path, and a capsule-type endoscope. A receiving device 3 for receiving a radio signal including in-subject information transmitted from the mirror 2; a display device 4 for displaying the contents of the in-subject information included in the radio signal received by the receiving device 3; A portable recording medium 5 for transferring information between the device 3 and the display device 4 is provided.

  The display device 4 is for displaying an in-vivo image captured by the capsule endoscope 2 based on the radio signal received by the receiving device 3, and is obtained by the portable recording medium 5. It has a configuration such as a workstation that displays an image based on data. Specifically, the display device 4 may be configured to directly display an image or the like by a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, or the like, or may be configured to output an image or the like to another medium such as a printer.

  The portable recording medium 5 is detachable from the receiving device 3 and the display device 4 and has a structure capable of outputting and recording information when attached to both. Specifically, the portable recording medium 5 is attached to the receiving device 3 and stores the in-subject image while the capsule endoscope 2 is moving in the body cavity of the subject 1. Then, after the capsule endoscope 2 is discharged from the subject 1, the capsule endoscope 2 is taken out from the receiving device 3 and attached to the display device 4, and the recorded data is read out by the display device 4. When data is transferred between the receiving device 3 and the display device 4 by a portable recording medium 5 such as a compact flash (registered trademark) memory, and the receiving device 3 and the display device 4 are connected by wire. Unlike the capsule endoscope 2, the subject 1 can freely move even when the capsule endoscope 2 is moving inside the subject 1.

  The receiving antennas 6a to 6h are formed using a loop antenna, for example. Such a loop antenna is used in a state of being arranged at a predetermined position on the body surface of the subject 1, and preferably includes a fixing member for fixing on the body surface of the subject 1.

  The receiving device 3 is for performing reception processing of a radio signal received via any of the receiving antennas 6a to 6h. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the receiving device 3. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the reception device 3 includes an antenna selection unit 9 that selects a plurality of reception antennas 6 a to 6 h that are suitable for reception of a radio signal, and a reception antenna that is selected by the antenna selection unit 9. 6 includes a receiving circuit 10 that performs processing such as demodulation on the radio signal received via 6, and a signal processing unit 11 that extracts an in-vivo image and the like based on the processed radio signal. The receiving device 3 also includes a control unit 12 that performs predetermined control regarding the output of the extracted information, a storage unit 13 that stores the extracted information, and the intensity of the received radio signal that is output from the receiving circuit 10. Are provided with an A / D converter 14 for A / D converting an analog signal corresponding to the above and a power supply unit 15 for supplying driving power of each component.

  The antenna selection unit 9 is for selecting an antenna suitable for receiving a radio signal from among a plurality of reception antennas 6a to 6h. Specifically, the antenna selection unit 9 selects a predetermined reception antenna 6 based on the control of the control unit 12, and outputs a radio signal received via the selected reception antenna 6 to the reception circuit 10. It has a function.

  The receiving circuit 10 is for performing predetermined processing such as demodulation on the radio signal received via the selected receiving antenna 6. The receiving circuit 10 has a function of outputting an analog signal corresponding to the intensity of the radio signal to the A / D converter 14.

  The signal processing unit 11 is for extracting predetermined information from the signal subjected to predetermined processing by the receiving circuit 10. For example, when a wireless signal received by the receiving device 3 is transmitted from an electronic device having an imaging function, the signal processing unit 11 extracts image data from the signal output from the receiving circuit 10. .

  The control unit 12 is for performing overall control including an antenna selection operation by the antenna selection unit 9. Specifically, the control unit 12 transfers the information output from the signal processing unit 11 to the storage unit 13 for storage, and also outputs the digital signal (corresponding to the reception intensity) output from the A / D conversion unit 14. For example, the reception antenna 6 to be used is determined based on RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator)), and the antenna selection unit 9 is instructed.

  The storage unit 13 is for storing information extracted by the signal processing unit 11. As a specific configuration of the storage unit 13, the storage unit 13 itself may store information by providing a memory or the like. However, in the first embodiment, the storage unit 13 is a portable recording device as described later. It has a function of writing information to the medium 5.

  Next, the capsule endoscope 2 will be described. The capsule endoscope 2 functions as an example of an in-subject introduction apparatus in the scope of the claims. The capsule endoscope 2 acquires in-subject information and receives a radio signal including the acquired in-subject information. It has the function to transmit to.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the capsule endoscope 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the capsule endoscope 2 includes a first imaging unit 19 that captures an in-subject image, an illumination unit 20 that supplies illumination light when the first imaging unit 19 performs imaging, A second imaging unit 21 having a different field of view from the first imaging unit 19 and an illuminating unit 22 that supplies illumination light when the second imaging unit 21 performs imaging. The capsule endoscope 2 is driven with respect to the transmission unit 23 that wirelessly transmits the image captured by the first imaging unit 19 and the image captured by the second imaging unit 21, the first imaging unit 19, and the like. A power supply unit 24 that supplies electric power and functions as a weighting member to be described later is provided. The capsule endoscope 2 includes an exterior member 25 for incorporating these components, and the exterior member 25 is an imaging window 25a corresponding to the imaging field of view of the first imaging unit 19 and the second imaging unit 21. , 25b.

  The first imaging unit 19 is for imaging an in-subject image as in-subject information, and functions as an example of first in-subject information acquisition means in the claims. Specifically, the first image pickup unit 19 includes an image pickup substrate 19a on which a predetermined electronic circuit is formed, an image pickup device 19b disposed on the image pickup substrate 19a, and light incident on the image pickup device 19b from the outside. An optical system 19c for forming an image and a holder member 19d for holding the optical system 19c are provided.

  The imaging element 19b is formed by a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), for example, and has a function of acquiring image data by photoelectrically converting the formed input light. The optical system 19c functions as an example of the first optical system in the claims, and has a function of forming the input light from the outside on the light receiving surface of the image sensor 19b, and has a predetermined focal length. And a lens having an F value. In FIG. 3, this is represented by a single lens. However, such a structure can be used as long as it has a predetermined focal length and F value and has a function of forming input light on the light receiving surface of the image sensor 19b. Needless to say, it is not necessary to interpret it in a limited manner.

  The illumination unit 20 is for generating and outputting illumination light that illuminates the tissue in the subject within the imaging field of view of the first imaging unit 19. Specifically, the illumination unit 20 is formed of, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode), and has a function of generating and outputting illumination light in synchronization with the imaging timing of the first imaging unit 19.

  The second imaging unit 21 is for acquiring an in-subject image as in-subject information like the first imaging unit 19, and is an example of second in-subject information acquisition means in the claims. It is for functioning. Specifically, the second imaging unit 21 functions as an example of the imaging substrate 21a, the imaging device 21b formed on the imaging substrate 21a, and the second optical system in the claims, and inputs the input light to the imaging device. The optical system 21c for image-forming on the light-receiving surface of 21b, and the holder member 21d holding the optical system 21c are provided. Since the imaging substrate 21a, the imaging element 21b, and the holder member 21d have the same configuration and function as the imaging substrate 19a and the like provided in the first imaging unit 19, description thereof is omitted here. In addition, the illumination unit 22 that generates and outputs illumination light at the time of imaging by the second imaging unit 21 is configured by an LED or the like, similar to the illumination unit 20, and illuminates while synchronizing with the imaging operation of the second imaging unit 21. It has a function of outputting light.

  Here, differences in configuration between the optical system 19c (first optical system) provided in the first imaging unit 19 and the optical system 21c (second optical system) provided in the second imaging unit 21 will be described. The optical system 19c and the optical system 21c are both optical systems with fixed focal points, and the positional relationship between the optical system and the corresponding image sensor is fixed. For this reason, the distance to the object surface (hereinafter referred to as “best distance”) that provides the best imaging performance with respect to the light receiving surface (image receiving surface) of the corresponding image sensor is determined. Here, there is a relationship in which an object at a short distance can be imaged when the best distance becomes short, and an object at a long distance can be imaged when the best distance becomes long. That is, it is possible to capture an object at a short distance by shortening the best distance.

  In addition to shortening the best distance, it is possible to capture an object at a short distance by improving the depth of focus. The depth of focus can be improved by reducing the focal length of the optical system or increasing the F value. As described above, from the viewpoint of realizing the function of capturing an object at a short distance, the optical system 19c is firstly the best distance of the optical system 19c is shorter than the best distance of the optical system 21c, and secondly the optical system. The focal length of 19c is shorter than the focal length of the optical system 21c, and thirdly, it is formed so as to satisfy at least one of the three conditions that the F value of the optical system 19c is larger than the F value of the optical system 21c. It is preferable.

  The transmission unit 23 is for generating and transmitting a wireless signal including data of the in-vivo image acquired by the first imaging unit 19 and the second imaging unit 21. Specifically, the transmission unit 23 includes a transmission board 23a and a transmission antenna 23b, generates a radio signal including image data by a transmission circuit formed on the transmission board 23a, and passes through the transmission antenna 23b. And has a function of transmitting a radio signal to the receiving device 3.

  The power supply unit 24 is for supplying driving power to the first imaging unit 19 and the like. Specifically, the power supply unit 24 includes storage batteries 24a and 24b that are electrically connected in series, an electrode substrate 24c on which an electrode that is connected to the cathode of the storage battery 24a is formed, and an electrode that is connected to the anode of the storage battery 24b. Electrode substrate 24c. As will be described later, the power supply unit 24 also functions as a weighting member in the claims.

  Next, the positional relationship within the capsule endoscope 2 of the first imaging unit 19, the second imaging unit 21, and the power supply unit 24 will be described. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a positional relationship between the first imaging unit 19, the second imaging unit 21, and the power supply unit 24. As shown in FIG. 4, the capsule endoscope 2 is formed so that gravity is applied in a direction indicated by an arrow (downward in FIG. 4) in free space by the power supply unit 24 functioning as a weighting member. The direction of the arrow is determined as the reference direction. Here, the “free space” refers to a space where force due to contact with another object does not act, and ideally refers to a space where only gravity and air resistance act. In the first embodiment, the “reference direction” refers to a direction that coincides with the direction of gravity when the capsule endoscope 2 is arranged in free space.

  The first imaging unit 19 as the first in-subject information acquisition unit is formed so that the imaging field of view determined by the optical system 19c as the first optical system includes the reference direction. For example, the optical axis and the reference in the optical system 19c It is formed so that the direction matches. On the other hand, with respect to the second imaging unit 21 serving as the second in-subject information acquisition unit, the optical axis of the optical system 21c serving as the second optical system is different from the optical axis of the optical system 19c included in the first imaging unit 19. The imaging field of view is different from that of the first imaging unit 19. Specifically, in the example of FIG. 4, the second imaging unit 21 is arranged so that the optical axis of the optical system 21c is perpendicular to the optical axis of the optical system 19c. As a result, the first imaging unit 19 includes, in the imaging field of view, a portion of the inner wall portion of the digestive organ 27 that is a passage route that contacts the capsule endoscope 2.

  Next, advantages of the in-subject introduction system according to the first embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, the capsule endoscope 2 has a function of acquiring an in-subject image as in-subject information and transmitting it to the outside. Here, the imaging target of the in-subject image to be acquired includes at least the inner wall of the digestive organ that is a path along which the capsule endoscope 2 moves within the subject 1, and at least the inner wall of the digestive organ in the passage region. It is preferable that the part can be reliably imaged.

  For this reason, in this Embodiment 1, the arrangement | positioning of the 1st imaging part 19 is made | formed so that the inner wall part of the digestive organ in a passage area | region can always be imaged. As described above, in the first embodiment, the first imaging unit 19 is formed so as to include a reference direction as a gravity application direction with respect to the capsule endoscope 2 in free space as a part of the imaging field. Here, the capsule endoscope 2 introduced into the subject 1 is affected by the structure of the inner wall of the digestive organ, which is the passage route, and has a state in which the reference direction is directed downward in the vertical direction as the most stable state. Move inside subject 1 to maintain. Then, the capsule endoscope 2 moves while being in contact with the inner wall portion located in the gravitational action direction (that is, vertically downward) with respect to itself by the action of gravity.

  Therefore, when the capsule endoscope 2 moves inside the subject 1, the capsule endoscope 2 is in contact with the inner wall portion of the passage route on the extension in the reference direction with respect to itself in almost all passage regions. Will be maintained. For this reason, the capsule endoscope 2 continues to image the inner wall portion of the digestive organ in the passage route by the first imaging unit 19 by arranging the first imaging unit 19 to include the reference direction in the imaging visual field. It has the advantage that is possible.

  In the first embodiment, a configuration in which a second imaging unit 21 is newly provided separately from the first imaging unit 19 to capture in-subject images in a different range from the first imaging unit 19 is adopted. It is possible to capture in-subject images in a wide range. In particular, in the first embodiment, since the first imaging unit 19 is configured to image the contact portion with the capsule endoscope 2 in the internal tissue of the subject 1, internal tissues other than the contact portion are configured. With respect to, imaging is difficult depending on the first imaging unit 19. For this reason, in the first embodiment, a second imaging unit 21 is newly provided separately from the first imaging unit 19, and the in-subject image relating to a range other than the contact portion is acquired by the second imaging unit 21. Making it possible.

  Furthermore, the capsule endoscope 2 according to the first embodiment is formed so that the focal length of the optical system 19c provided in the first imaging unit 19 is shorter than the focal length of the optical system 21c provided in the second imaging unit 21. Has been. That is, the first imaging unit 19 captures an image of a portion in contact with the capsule endoscope 2, that is, a portion extremely close to the capsule endoscope 2, and the optical system 19c has a shorter focal length than the optical system 21c. Therefore, it is possible to take an image in an always focused state with respect to the inner wall portion located in the vicinity of the capsule endoscope 2, and it is possible to acquire a high-quality in-vivo image. Has the advantage of being.

  In the first embodiment, the capsule endoscope 2 is formed such that the depth of focus determined by the optical system 19c is larger than the depth of focus determined by the optical system 21c. That is, the first imaging unit 19 including the optical system 19c performs imaging of the inner wall portion that contacts the capsule endoscope 2 as described above, but the surface of the inner wall portion is not a smooth surface. Usually, minute uneven portions are formed. Therefore, in the first embodiment, with respect to the first imaging unit 19 that captures such a portion, by adopting a configuration in which the depth of focus of the optical system 19c is improved, both the concave portion and the convex portion of the inner wall portion are good. It is possible to acquire an in-subject image that is focused on.

  Further, in the first embodiment, the power supply unit 24 is used as a weighting member that determines the reference direction. Since the storage batteries 24a and 24b constituting the power supply unit 24 are usually made up of heavier members than other components provided in the capsule endoscope 2, such members are used as weighting members. Thus, the reference direction of the capsule endoscope 2 can be determined, and it is not necessary to separately provide a weighting member for defining the reference direction. This is very suitable for the capsule endoscope 2 which is preferably small and light, and realizes an in-subject introduction system using the capsule endoscope 2 with a small load on the subject 1. It has the advantage of being able to.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, the in-subject introduction system according to the second embodiment will be described. The in-subject introduction system according to the second embodiment has a configuration in which the capsule endoscope includes a magnetic field forming unit for position detection, and uses the magnetic field forming unit as a weighting member in the claims. The configuration is adopted.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the overall configuration of the intra-subject introduction system according to the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, components having the same names and reference numerals as in the first embodiment have the same configurations and functions as those in the first embodiment unless otherwise specified.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in the in-subject introduction system according to the second embodiment, in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment, the magnetic field detection devices 30a to 30h are connected to the subject 1 via the fixing members 31a and 31b. A newly fixed configuration is provided. The magnetic fields detected by the magnetic field detection devices 30 a to 30 h are output to the reception device 29 and used for position detection of the capsule endoscope 28. As will be described in detail later, in the second embodiment, the capsule endoscope 28 incorporates a magnetic field forming member for forming a predetermined magnetic field.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of receiving apparatus 29 in the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, in addition to the configuration shown in the first embodiment, detection is performed in correspondence with the configuration in which the magnetic field strength obtained by the magnetic field detection devices 30a to 30h is output to the reception device 29. A distance deriving unit 33 for deriving the distance between the capsule endoscope 28 and each of the magnetic field detection devices 30a to 30h based on the magnetic field, and the distance value derived by the distance deriving unit 33 and the magnetic field detection devices 30a to 30h. And a position detector 34 for deriving the position of the capsule endoscope 28 based on the position of the capsule endoscope 28.

  The distance deriving unit 33 is for deriving the distance between each of the magnetic field detection devices 30a to 30h and the capsule endoscope 28 based on the detection result in each of the magnetic field detection devices 30a to 30h. That is, since the magnetic field formed by the magnetic field forming member 36 (described later) provided in the capsule endoscope 28 has a characteristic that the intensity decreases as the distance from the capsule endoscope 28 increases, the distance deriving unit 33 has such a characteristic. Has a function of deriving a distance based on the detected magnetic field strength.

  The position detection unit 34 is for deriving the position of the capsule endoscope 28 using the distance value derived by the distance deriving unit 33. Specifically, the position detection unit 34 stores the positions of the magnetic field detection devices 30a to 30h with respect to the subject 1 in advance, and each position of the magnetic field detection devices 30a to 30h and each of the magnetic field detection devices 30a to 30h. The position of the capsule endoscope 28 is derived based on the distance between the capsule endoscope 28 and the capsule endoscope 28.

For example, the position of the magnetic field detector 30a and _{(x a, y a, z} a), when the distance between the capsule endoscope 28 is r _a, the position of the capsule endoscope 28 ( x, y, z)

^{_{(X a -x) 2 + (}} y a -y) 2 + (z a -z) 2 = r a 2 ··· (1)

This relationship arises. Therefore, the position detection unit 34 derives the position (x, y, z) of the capsule endoscope 28 by deriving such a relationship with respect to the magnetic field detection devices 30b to 30h. In order to derive x, y, and z, three equations similar to the equation (1) can be used. However, in the second embodiment, accurate position detection of the capsule endoscope 28 is performed. From the viewpoint of performing, the position detection using the least square method or the like is performed using equations relating to all of the magnetic field detection devices 30a to 30h.

  Next, the configuration of the capsule endoscope 28 will be described. In the second embodiment, the capsule endoscope 28 has a configuration including a magnetic field forming member 36 for position detection in addition to the configuration of the capsule endoscope 2 in the first embodiment.

  The magnetic field forming member 36 is formed of a member such as a bar magnet, for example, and has a function of forming a magnetic field around the capsule endoscope 28. As the magnetic field forming member 36 used for position detection, the magnetic field to be formed may be a static magnetic field or a time-varying magnetic field. However, considering the attenuation when passing through the tissue in the subject 1, A magnetic field is preferred.

  In the second embodiment, the magnetic field forming member 36 also has a function of defining a reference direction as a direction in which gravity is applied to the capsule endoscope 28 in free space. That is, since the member that forms the magnetic field is generally composed of a member that is heavier than the other components provided in the capsule endoscope 28, the second embodiment focuses on such characteristics and claims It is supposed to function as a weight member in the range.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated over Embodiment 1, 2, it is not necessary to interpret this invention limited to said embodiment, and those skilled in the art will be able to carry out various examples and modifications. Etc. can be conceived. For example, in the first and second embodiments, the in-subject image is described as an example of the in-subject information. However, it is not necessary to interpret the information limited to such information. Any value can be used as long as it corresponds to the characteristics of the subject such as a value or an ultrasonic image. In the first and second embodiments, the power supply unit and the magnetic field forming unit are used as the weighting members. However, these other members may be used as a weighting member, or may be loaded by a plurality of members. It is good also as comprising a member. Furthermore, although Embodiment 1 and 2 demonstrated the structure provided with both the 1st imaging part 19 and the 2nd imaging part 21, in this invention, it is the above by setting it as the structure provided with at least 1st in-subject information acquisition means. It is possible to achieve the effect.

  Corresponding to the fact that the magnetic field forming member 36 functions as a weight member, the position of the first imaging unit 19 is devised in the same way as in the first embodiment. That is, the imaging visual field defined by the optical system 19c provided in the first imaging unit 19 is formed so as to include the reference direction, and when introduced into the subject 1, the inner wall portion of the passage path can be reliably imaged. It is possible. By adopting such a configuration, the in-subject introduction system according to the second embodiment can enjoy the same advantages as those of the first embodiment.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an in-subject introduction system according to a first embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the receiver with which the in-subject introduction system is equipped. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the capsule endoscope with which an in-subject introduction system is equipped. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the function of a capsule type | mold endoscope. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an in-subject introduction system according to a second embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the receiver with which the in-subject introduction system is equipped. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the capsule endoscope with which an in-subject introduction system is equipped.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Subject 2 Capsule endoscope 3 Receiving apparatus 4 Display apparatus 5 Portable recording medium 6a-6h Receiving antenna 9 Antenna selection part 10 Receiving circuit 11 Signal processing part 12 Control part 13 Storage part 14 A / D conversion part 15 Electric power Supply unit 19 Imaging unit 19a Imaging substrate 19b Imaging element 19c Optical system 19d Holder member 20 Illumination unit 21 Imaging unit 21a Imaging substrate 21b Imaging element 21c Optical system 21d Holder member 22 Illumination unit 23 Transmission unit 23a Transmission substrate 23b Transmitting antenna 24 Power supply unit 24a, 24b Storage battery 24c, 24d Electrode substrate 25 Exterior member 25a, 25b Imaging window 28 Capsule endoscope 29 Receiver 30a-30h Magnetic field detector 31a, 31b Fixed member 33 Distance deriving part 34 Position detection part 36 Magnetic field forming member

Claims (8)

An in-subject introduction apparatus that is formed so that gravity is applied in a predetermined reference direction in free space, and that is introduced into the subject and acquires in-subject information that is information inside the subject,
A weight member that defines the reference direction;
First in-subject information acquisition means for acquiring in-subject information in a range including the reference direction;
An intra-subject introduction apparatus characterized by comprising: A second in-subject information acquisition unit for acquiring in-subject information in a range different from the information acquisition direction in the first in-subject information acquisition unit;
2. The subject according to claim 1, wherein the first in-subject information acquisition unit acquires in-subject information related to an object at a shorter distance than the information acquisition target of the second in-subject information acquisition unit. Intrasample introduction device. The in-subject information is an in-subject image acquired by imaging a predetermined area inside the subject,
The first in-vivo information acquiring unit includes a first optical system that forms an image of light incident from the outside on a predetermined light receiving surface, and the second in-vivo information acquiring unit is provided on another light receiving surface. On the other hand, the optical system includes a second optical system that forms an image of light incident from the outside, and the first optical system has a distance to the object surface that has the best imaging performance with respect to the light receiving surface than the second optical system. The in-subject introduction device according to claim 2, wherein the introduction device is short.   The in-subject introduction apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first optical system has a greater depth of focus than the second optical system.   5. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a power supply unit that supplies driving power to at least the first in-vivo information acquiring unit and functions as the weighting member. Intra-subject introduction device.   5. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a magnetic field forming unit that has a function of forming a magnetic field for position detection of the in-subject introduction apparatus and functions as the weight member. Intra-subject introduction device. An in-subject introduction apparatus that is formed so that gravity is applied in a predetermined reference direction in free space and is introduced into the subject to obtain in-subject information, which is information inside the subject, and the subject An in-subject introduction system comprising a receiving device that receives a radio signal transmitted from an introductory device,
The in-subject introduction device comprises:
A weight member that defines the reference direction;
First in-subject information acquisition means for acquiring in-subject information in a range including the reference direction;
Transmitting means for transmitting a wireless signal including the acquired in-subject information;
With
The receiving device is:
A receiving circuit that performs reception processing of the received radio signal;
Signal processing means for extracting in-vivo information by performing predetermined processing on the signal output from the receiving circuit;
An in-subject introduction system characterized by comprising: The in-subject introduction device further has a function of forming a magnetic field for position detection, and further includes a magnetic field forming unit that functions as the weight member,
The receiving device is:
Magnetic field measuring means for measuring the magnetic field formed by the magnetic field forming means;
Position deriving means for deriving the position of the in-subject introduction device based on the measurement result of the magnetic field measuring means;
The in-subject introduction system according to claim 7, further comprising:

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